If you’re a new homeowner, especially if you’ve just purchased an older home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your electrical system and the fixtures in your new home to ensure that you and your family stay safe.
To help, we’ve compiled these electrical tips for new homeowners so you can make sure you understand the parts of your new electrical system and home electrical fire safety.
5 Electrical Tips For New Homeowners
Tip 1: Make Sure Your Rooms Have Enough Outlets
If you purchased an older home, chances are there are not enough outlets to handle the number of devices you need to plug in. Scan all the rooms before you move in and assess whether or not you have enough outlets.
Instead of permanently using extension cords to meet your electrical needs call in an electrician to add outlets to rooms where you know you’ll need more power. Overloading outlets is an electrical fire hazard. Installing enough outlets to handle your needs is a safer, simpler way to use electricity.
Tip 2: Use Correct Bulb Wattage
You probably inherited some light fixtures with your new home. Don’t assume that the previous owners were using the correct bulb wattage. Check the maximum wattage on each fixture and replace any bulbs with too-high wattage to avoid a fire hazard.
Tip 3: Make Sure Appliances Have Enough Air Circulation
Major appliances need space around them to function properly. Don’t assume any appliances that came with the house are placed properly.
A refrigerator needs between one and three inches (depending on the age of the fridge) between the back of the unit and the wall to make sure the air vents and evaporator fan can function properly.
A gas or electric dryer also needs space to operate safely — ideally, about a foot from the back wall.
Tip 4: Be Cautious If Replacing Your Own GFI Outlets
GFI or GFCI outlets are the ones located near water sources, typically in your kitchen and bathrooms. These are the ones with a black “Test” and a red “Reset” button.
If you’re planning to replace faulty ones yourself, be sure you know what you’re doing. GFIs are life-saving devices and installing them correctly is crucial. If you have any second thoughts, hire a licensed electrician to do the work instead.
Tip 5: Never Do Your Own Work On 220 Circuits
The internet is full of DIY tutorials on replacing or repairing your own 220-volt outlets. These are the large, round outlets that are used for clothes dryers, ovens, and other large appliances.
We don’t recommend doing your own work on 220 circuits because they’re more complicated. The best way to ensure that one of these outlets is properly installed or repaired is to hire a professional.
Need help with the electrical system in your new home? Call or text us at (360) 491-7450.